Germany have been knocked out of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Despite heading into the game as favourites, Germany failed to win during normal time but thought they have gotten the goal that would take them to the next stage when Jonathan Tah scored in extra time.
However, VAR ruled out the goal after determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
Germany eventually lost 4-3 during the penalty shootout, and Julian Nagelsmann couldn’t hide his frustration after the match.
Nagelsmann strongly disagreed with the decision, describing it as a “scandal”.
He addressed the controversial decision during a post-match interview with ZDF after speaking to his players. While he acknowledged Germany’s shortcomings, he insisted the decision to disallow Tah’s goal was a major error.
Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of Germany, reacts after the penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. (Photo by Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“We had a very slow build-up play; it took ages to shift it from wing to wing,” Nagelsmann explained. “At some point, we switched to a sort of brute-force approach, and then, yes, it was important to make the balls sharp into the box.
“At some point, I think we had six or seven players above 6ft 2in on the pitch too and had 11 or 12 corners. We then score a goal from the latter which is a scandal as the referee blows his whistle to disallow it. I have no idea what he saw there. It’s truly a joke.
“But that’s how it is, it’s pointless to dwell on. We still have to settle and handle the game beforehand, and handle it differently, and we didn’t manage to do that.”
Julian Nagelsmann speaks with his players during a hydration break. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
After being shown a replay during the interview, Nagelsmann became even more critical of the decision, saying: “I’m seeing it again right now. It’s not just a scandal, it’s an absolute scandal. That is not even remotely a foul play.”
Pressed about Germany’s decline after opening the tournament with a 7-1 victory over Curacao, the Germany boss visibly lost patience.
“Yes, as I already said, our build-up play today was simply too slow,” he said. “Yes, I just told you. The build-up play was too slow. I’ve already said that three times now.”
It’s still unclear if Nagelsmann’s future hangs in the balance but as it stands he will retain his job as Germany national team coach.
